Is “Zhang Changzong's favor in the palace and his execution in the Shenlong Coup” true?
The Old Book of Tang, Annals of Zhongzong and Ruizong, records that in the first month of the first year of Shenlong, Zhang Jianzhi and others 'led the imperial guards to execute Yi Zhi and Chang Zong' and welcomed Zhongzong back to the throne. The Sui and Tang Romance, Chapter 75, details the Five Kings raising troops to eliminate the Two Zhangs, and 'presented the heads of Zhang Changzong and Zhang Yizhi for verification', ending their arbitrary exercise of power. The fact of their execution is completely consistent with the official historical records.
In the official history, Zhang Changzong was favored for his handsome appearance and wielded power, and was executed in a coup. The novel faithfully reproduces the process of his execution.
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